If you allow a little poetic licence, Milan boasts two world famous cathedrals. One is the duomo in the centre of the city, an imposing, ornate, triangular structure. The other is the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in the San Siro neighbourhood. If you are in the Lombardian capital for a match at the latter, there is plenty to see before and after the action.
Where better to start than the duomo itself? Around 1,000 years in the making, it embodies an astonishing array of architectural styles. Look closely at the two main statues halfway up the front, and you’ll see the inspiration for the Statue of Liberty. A huge gold-plated statue of the Virgin Mary known as the Madonnina tops the enormous structure and when Milan and Inter play it’s known as the ‘Derby della Madonnina’. Worth her weight in gold? You decide, because you can take a guided tour of every square inch of this grand place of worship.
Fashion, of course, is another massive draw for the millions of tourists who visit Milan each year. If shopping for the latest gear is your scene, head to Via Montenapoleone, which is only two minutes away from the duomo. All the big names have flagship boutiques there, and you might see a footballer or two. Even if you don’t spot a calcio ace, you will probably walk past one of their supercars while they are inside splashing the cash.
If that’s a bit rich for your blood, head to the Naviglio district via the Colonne di San Lorenzo. The city’s main canal is lined with places to eat, drink and chat, and the sunsets are outrageous, matching the colour of your spritz. It’s a mixed crowd but still unmistakeably Milanese. At the Colonne it’s a more laid-back, alternative atmosphere. Ripped jeans and faded 80s rock band T-shirt optional.
If you are getting tired, or miss the round ball, head up to the plush Porta Venezia area. You can’t miss the large park, ideal for picnics, cafes and of course a friendly kick about. On a typical day the number of children wearing Theo Hernàndez or Romelu Lukaku shirts reaches double figures. Turtles, ducks and fish live in glorious harmony in the pond in the centre of the park.
Porta Venezia was recently voted into Time Out’s top 40 coolest neighbourhoods in the world. You’ll be spoilt for options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. However, you can’t visit Milan without sampling the aperitivo – a cheeky drink and gourmet nibbles between 6pm and 8pm.
The art in Milan isn’t constricted to the pitch at the San Siro; you can view works by some of the greatest artists in European history. The Museo del Novecento in Piazza del Duomo is a wonderful way to pass a couple of hours. Milan was one of the homes of Leonardo da Vinci, and his influence is everywhere. If you book early you can marvel at the Last Supper and learn more at the museum dedicated to the man at Piazza della Scala. The Triennale, near the Cadorna metro stop, hosts fascinating exhibitions and its terrace bar hits the heights in terms of sophistication and metres, offering a beautiful vista of this football and fashion addicted city.
